senate majority leader harry reid. eric cantor, and house democratic leader nancy pelosi. [cheers and applause] ♪ ♪ >> please be seated. ladies and gentleman, the chairman of the joint congressional committee for inaugural ceremonies, the honorable charles e. schumer regret mr. president, mr. vice president, members of congress, all who are present, and to all who are watching. welcome to the capital and to this celebration of our great democracy. this is the pick seventh inauguration of an american president. no matter how many times one witnesses this event, its simplicity, it's in 8 majesty, and most of all its meaning, that sacred yet cautious in trusting the power from we the people to our chosen leader, never fails to make one's heart beat faster, as it will today with the inauguration of president barack h. obama. now, we know that we would not be here today were not for those who stand guard around the world to preserve our freedom, to those in our armed forces, we offer our infant thanks for your bravery, your honor, your sacrifice. [applause] this democracy o